The Best GED Test Prep Sites

Earning your GED — or high school equivalency degree — will help you reach your career and educational goals much faster. We scoured the internet, sifted through the weeds of false information, and studied the content of the GED, all to source the most reliable test prep sites on the market. We made sure these courses were widely available, offered ample room for practice, resources, and real-time assistance, so you could have the benefit of a streamlined, effective path to earning your diploma.

How We Chose the Best GED Test Prep Sites

Transparent, reliable websites

There is a lot of misinformation swirling around on the internet when it comes to the GED. So, if you’re going to spend precious time and money on studying for your high school equivalency degree, you should know exactly what your course is going to provide you from the get-go and feel reassured that your course is going to give you the most up-to-date information on the exam. We did the vetting for you — our top picks offer complete rundowns of what to expect with their service; relevant, accurate study content; and ample resources to answer any questions you may have.

Availability

We focused largely on self-paced and online courses that can be accessed from your bedroom or favorite coffee shop. However, if you don’t learn through a screen as well as you do in person, there are certainly options out there for you — they’ll just depend on your ZIP code (and, of course, budget).

We also considered price (including free trials), length of access, and mobile access when grading availability.

Programs and practice tests

We each have different academic strengths and challenges, and the best GED prep course should cater to those needs. Our top picks offer customizable programs that allow you to focus your time and studies on the areas where you need it most.

We also looked for courses offering full-length practice tests, which are proven to reduce stress and improve memory retention. You also should have a way to analyze your progress on these practice tests, which is why we sought resources with diagnostic tools to help you gauge where you shine and where you should refine your skills a little more.

Resources and real-time assistance

To ensure an engaging, helpful learning experience, we searched for test prep sites with robust textbooks, interactive lessons, and practice questions. No two testers are going to need the same type and level of instruction, but you should have an outlet for unanswered questions, which is why we required 24/7 email or chat assistance features.

In the spirit of good customer service, your prep company should also give you a refund if you don’t pass your GED after completing its program. However, these guarantees usually don’t come without strict requirements, meaning you’ll typically have to fully participate in the course program in order to qualify.

Why we chose it

Good for studying on your own terms

The UGO Prep course is designed to prepare you for the GED in as little as two weeks by emphasizing timed practice over lectures. This structure makes UGO great for anyone on a time crunch, but it also allows you to move at your own pace, which means it fits equally well into condensed schedules and longer timeframes. If you want to extend your studies, you can buy lifetime access to the course for an additional $15. Even if you do opt for lifetime access, UGO Prep is still less expensive than some of its competitors.

Already mastered some subjects? UGO lets you choose the subjects you want to focus on, so you’re not stuck paying for material you’ve already learned.

Ample amount of practice tests

UGO Prep currently offers around 35 timed practice exams across all of the major GED subjects, which is more than any other company by a wide margin. Plus, the company offers four free practice tests in each subject area before you even sign up. Each test within the program is analyzed to pinpoint and focus on your problem areas until you’ve mastered them.

Resources and assistance

On top of the several online practice exams that mimic the content of the actual test day, UGO Prep offers comprehensive review guides for each subject — including more than 200 slides of written explanations, vocabulary, and key concepts. Plus, UGO Prep says it updates the content regularly to match any changes in the exam so you can be fully prepared for the latest version of the test. The course also provides other educational books to help you learn how to study more efficiently, avoid common mistakes, as well as tips on applying to college and landing that job you’ve always wanted.

Money-back guarantee

This is one of the only companies to offer a full money-back guarantee. So even if you don’t pass your GED, you won’t have to worry about losing money.

However, it’s important to note that UGO Prep’s guarantee comes with stringent requirements. For one, you have to complete (and pass) the course — meaning you need to have answered all the multiple choice questions with a minimum score of 85% or better for each simulated exam. Candidates for the money-back guarantee must have also viewed 100% of the study guide and purchased the guide at least four weeks (but no more than 26 weeks) prior to taking the GED.

Points to consider

No full-length practice exam

UGO Prep doesn’t offer a full-length, timed practice test similar to the one you might take on your actual test day. While you might not have an opportunity to build stamina for a seven-hour test, the good news is that you technically don’t have to test on every subject in one day. But if you don’t want to drag your GED testing experience out over several days, you might want to think about another test prep that will help you muster the mental strength for a much lengthier exam.

No option for real-time instruction

This course takes a more hands-off approach by letting students navigate through the material on their own — which works well for some people. Your questions won’t be left unanswered, though, as UGO Prep does offer a support team to monitor your progress and help you solve problems. Learners who like one-on-one instruction (and don’t like solving most issues through a computer screen) would be better fit for a classroom or in-person tutoring setting — these options are typically more expensive and less bendable to your schedule.

Why we chose it

Curriculum-based approach

Kaplan has been an industry leader in both high school and college test prep for 75 years, and its GED prep illustrates why. Its expert curriculum and leading technology are guaranteed to help you pass all four GED subjects. Kaplan instructors are also held to this standard, so you know you’re getting instruction from a qualified source.

Live online option

Kaplan offers the only official live online preparation for the GED test by working directly with GED Testing Services. Not only can you feel confident in knowing you’re receiving instruction directly from the official source of the test, you can also study from your bedroom and on your own time. Having instructor help in real-time helps you get questions answered faster, and your instructor can help you target your weaker areas — you get 24/7 email access and promised responses by a Kaplan teacher within 24 hours. And if you want to go back and rewatch a lesson, you have a complete video library on deck with all of the recorded classes.

Wide range of resources

Kaplan offers both a live online option and a self-paced option — and if you really want to prep on your own, you can buy its stand-alone review book. All options offer practice tests, including full-length, timed tests that simulate real GED testing conditions. The self-paced option also offers extensive diagnostic scoring models that analyze your performance to further inform your future study strategies. In addition to the full tests, the interactive lessons and course book include hundreds of sample questions to help you practice.

If you know you don’t need specific instruction in a certain area or have already passed that specific portion of the GED, Kaplan allows you some degree of refinability with its GED Live course — you can choose a package with all four subjects, or you can select just math or language arts instruction for reduced price.

Money-back guarantee

If you don’t pass your GED at the end of your prep course term, Kaplan lets you decide whether you want your money back or a free repeat of its self-paced course (the Live GED course doesn’t come with a guarantee). Like all guarantee policies, Kaplan has some qualifying requirements in place. For example, you have to watch all of the strategy and question explanation videos, answer at least 300 questions in your course book, and have completed the practice tests, including the pre and post course diagnostic exams.

Points to consider

Limited access

The bulk of your resources for the self-paced and live online course options only last three months — this includes the videos and email support. The textbook, of course, is an evergreen feature of the programs and can be bought separately — but if you want to refer back to those interactive resources beyond a 90-day period, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

More expensive

Kaplan is one of the pricier study options at $129 for 90-day access for the self-paced and “GED Live - All 4 Subjects” options. The GED Live math and language arts options are only $59 each, but you’ll only get 45 days worth of access to live and recorded sessions. However, the money could make for a worthwhile investment, if you’re willing to devote yourself to the program. After all, you are paying for the Kaplan name and GED Testing Service associated resources.

Why we chose it

Personalized instruction

Essential’s course package includes 24 practice tests and two to three levels of study for each of the GED subject area; each level is then broken down into more digestible modules. These lessons include a “virtual tutor” that keeps tabs your progress through each lesson and customizes your study plan as you go, ensuring you save time by focusing only on your truly weakest areas. Only you can decide whether you’ve truly mastered a topic, though — a virtual tutor can only “personalize” your study plan to a certain degree.

Cost-effective resources

While you aren’t getting instruction from a real tutor, Essential Education’s GED Academy is one of the cheapest programs at only $15 per month. Plus, you can opt to pay for a year’s worth of course access at $99, which is still cheaper than some competitors. It is important to note that you aren’t just getting GED-specific resources at this price, either. This course also allows you access to Essential Education’s Work Essentials course, which teaches job search, resume, and interview skills, as well as its Computer Skills course, which teaches basic typing, word processing, and spreadsheet skills.

Points to consider

No real-time support

Unlike Kaplan and UGO Prep, Essential Education does not offer a support team or 24/7 email assistance for course-related questions. Granted, this is a self-paced course, and you aren’t necessarily paying to have a human expert answer your pressing algebra and writing questions. Its customer support features are also outdated — with no live chat for immediate answers, you’ll likely have to wait over a day to receive a response on a simple product question, if email is your preferred method of communication.

How to Choose the Best GED Test Prep Site

Think about your learning preferences

Do you prefer figuring things out on your own, or do you like instruction-based layouts? Knowing how quickly you want to learn the material — and how much time you realistically have to do so — will help you pinpoint the study guides that will best fit your schedule.

If you think you would benefit more from traditional classroom instruction than online learning, many official testing centers, high schools, and non-profit organizations offer in-person GED prep courses. Many of the courses are either free or low-cost and utilize course materials provided by the test developers.

Check the GED qualifications in your state

The GED isn’t just a test, it’s also the company that administers it. Every state has a high school equivalency program, and most of them use the GED as their establishing exam. However, there are some states that have opted for different companies and tests in the last few years, including Montana, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New York, Indiana, and Maine. You can check to see whether your state offers the GED on its website — the test itself will still be recognized in those specific states as an equivalency degree; you just won’t be able to take it there.

You can also check to see your state’s age requirements, language options (both English and Spanish are offered in most), and cost (which hovers in the $30 range per subject). In order to be eligible to take the test, you must be 18 years or older — 16 or 17 with appropriate paperwork granting a waiver — and not enrolled in high school.

Set clear timeline goals for yourself

Like many test prep companies, the GED prep sites typically limit your access to a specific amount of time after you enroll — often just a few months. This is why it’s important to have a clear test date in mind so you can ensure your course gives you sufficient time to prepare. If you’ve signed up for a test six months from now, it’s not the best idea to simultaneously enroll in a prep course that only last three months — ideally, your prep should last until your actual test day, so make sure you have your timelines well aligned.

Prepare in advance

Understanding what the test looks like and the score you need in order to pass will better inform your study habits and make you feel more comfortable on the big day. If you know you need specific testing accommodations, like a separate testing room, extra time, or a reader, you’ll need to submit a request far before you plan on taking the test, as these typically take a month to process (and you can’t apply accommodations to a previously-scheduled exam).

If you do need testing accommodations, be specific in your request.

After creating a profile on GED.com and filling out whether you need testing accommodations, the GED Testing Service will send you a link to fill out an official form. Once you complete this form, you’ll also need to supply more information proving your disability (a note from your doctor, psychologist, etc.) as well as any appropriate medical records. Other documentation, like school records that show participation in special education services, transcripts, and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), help your case, too. We suggest being as specific as possible in your request — for example, asking for “25% extra time” is clearer than “extra time.”

GED FAQ

What subjects are covered on the GED?

The test covers four core subjects: mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies, and science. The exam format is designed to test the comprehension, problem-solving, and analytical skills, among many others, normally developed over the course of a high school education. As high school graduation requirements become more challenging, so does the GED. In fact, the test was overhauled in 2014 to better reflect these increasing national college and career readiness standards.

What score do I need to pass the GED?

The GED uses a scoring scale that ranges from 100-200 points. The minimum score needed in order to earn a high school equivalency certificate is 145 out of 200 on each of the four subject areas. However, in order to be considered “college ready,” a higher score of 165-174 is needed, and in order to potentially receive some college credit, you’ll need to score a 175 or above on any given subject.

Score breakdown:

Score

Distinction

What it means

145-164

GED Passing Score

You have demonstrated a proficiency in academic subjects at a high school level.

165-174

GED College Ready

You have demonstrated the skills necessary to start college-level courses.

175-200

GED College Ready +

You have demonstrated skills currently taught in college-level courses. Depending on the school, a score in this range could earn you college credit.

How does the GED benefit me?

In addition to the personal satisfaction earning a diploma brings, the GED is also your ticket to a better job and more money. The GED website boasts that more than 97% of colleges and employers accept the GED credentials in place of a high school diploma, and GED certificate holders make, on average, $9,000 more per year.

How long does the GED take to complete?

The GED lasts about seven and a half hours when taken at once. However, you don’t have to take every section in one day — you can spread the sections among a time frame that fits you best. In fact, some testing centers might not even be able to accommodate more than four hours worth of testing. Additionally, the entire test is taken on a computer, and your scores are processed in within 24 hours.

How do I register for the GED?

You can schedule your GED test online at GED.com after creating an account. You can also find local classes through the GED Testing Service website and a variety of study resources through the GED Marketplace.

Our Other Education Reviews

The GED is just one step in reaching your dream job or ultimate education goals. We’ve been sourcing the most accurate, trustworthy information in the standardized test preparation market to help our readers get to where they want to go — check out our other education reviews below:

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